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Take the Quiz: Breast Cancer

When it comes to your breast health, don’t be fooled by rumors and misinformation. Get the facts. Test your knowledge of 6 common beliefs about breast cancer.

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1

You can get breast cancer even if it doesn’t run in your family.

True

False

The Correct Answer is
True .

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer – more than 85% – have no family history of the disease. Having a relative with breast cancer does increase your risk. But other factors such as age, being overweight, alcohol use, and hormone therapy after menopause can also increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

Knowing your family history empowers you to tackle the risk factors you can control. It should also motivate you to get screened regularly so that breast cancer is caught early – when it’s small, hasn’t spread, and is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about what your risk is, when you need to start screening, and whether you need extra tests beyond mammograms.

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3

You still need mammograms after menopause.

True

False

The Correct Answer is
True .

Getting older is not a reason to skip regular breast health checks. In fact, your risk of developing breast cancer goes up as you get older. About 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older. As long as you’re in good health and would be a candidate for treatment, you should continue getting mammograms.

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4

Men can get breast cancer.

True

False

The Correct Answer is
True .

More than 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Men should not ignore breast lumps and should get any breast changes checked. Still, breast cancer is about 100 times more common in women than men, with more than 240,000 women diagnosed in each year.

You need to increase your breast cancer IQ to help keep your breasts healthy. Check out our breast cancer section to learn more about breast cancer and what you can do to help lower your chances of getting it. Go to Breast Cancer: Early Detection for details on what you can do to help find breast cancer early.

You answered

Good job!

You’ve got a great breast cancer IQ, but there are still some myths clouding your knowledge, and some facts you may not be aware of. Check the links in the answers you got wrong – they can take you right to the information you need. Go to Breast Cancer: Early Detection for details on what you can do to help find breast cancer early.

You answered

You have a strong breast cancer IQ!

Congratulations! There’s always more to learn, so go to our breast cancer section to find out more about breast cancer and what you can do to help keep from getting it.